Science Fair

A science fair is a competition where students present their results from their science fair projects . Results can be shown in a number of different ways such as in a report, with a model or display board or using whatever else the student may have created. Science fair projects are wonderful opportunities for you to let your imagination soar.

You conduct the research and learn about things that you find interesting. For example, how does a volcano erupt? You can actually build a volcano and make it erupt. Science can be fun and it is all around us. It is important for you to choose a science fair topic that really interests and excites you. You will have more fun and you will be more motivated to do the necessary work in order to do a good job. When you plan your project you need to give yourself plenty of time to conduct the research as well as to observe and analyze things. It is good to ask questions about your project but make sure you actually do the work yourself. Doing your own work provides you with a much greater understanding of what actually occurred during the experiment. Finally don't worry if your hypothesis is not correct. Some of the most important experiments throughout history did not prove the original hypothesis.

What is a Science Fair Project?

A science fair project uses research and planning followed by a scientific method to discover the answer to a specific question. Scientists use different scientific methods as tools to answer questions. Steps involved with scientific methods include: the identification of a problem; declaring a hypothesis; researching the question; doing the experimentation for the project; and determining a conclusion.

Research begins as soon as your topic has been selected. It is best to create a catchy yet specific title in order to gain people's attention. Questions make good titles as well the following suggestions: The Study of; An Investigation of; The Observation of; The Effects of; or The Comparative Study of. The problem you are studying is the question which you are seeking the answer to.

Your hypothesis is your guess as to what you believe is going to happen. Project experimentation involves actually testing your hypothesis. You experiment to test to see if your hypothesis is correct. Everything you do should be recorded. You need to make observations and then write down the results. Graphs, charts and photographs are all good ways to document things you have done in a way that others can easily understand.

Variables are things which affect your experiment. There are different kinds of variables. Controlled variables are ones that do not change. A variable which you change on purpose is an independent variable. A variable that you are observing which changes because of the independent variable is called a dependent variable.

Finally, your conclusion sums up everything that you have learned through your experiment. You thoroughly examine the data and decide if you were correct with your hypothesis. You also determine if more work is necessary and what else you could do to investigate this problem.

How to Choose a Science Fair Project

A great way to decide on a science fair project topic is to create a list of your favorite subjects and activities. Choose your topic from one of these favorite areas. Try to find inexpensive and easy to find materials for your project. It is good to use materials that you can find in your home. Where are good places to research your project? The public library and your school library are both great options for research.

Tips for a Great Display

It is a good idea to talk to your teacher to find out if there are special guidelines for your school regarding the shape, style and size of your display. Try to keep your displays as simple as possible with only the essentials. Try not to include lengthy descriptions. Let your headlines tell the story and peak interest in your viewers. Checking your spelling is important because you don't want any spelling errors to take away from your project and your hard work.

Be as neat as you can and use a computer if possible to print things such as labels, charts and graphs. If using a computer is not an option merely use a stencil and a ruler to make your project neater. If you use a pencil be sure to use a dark marker to go over the lines so people can easily see them. If you can it is a good idea to use color in order to clarify or highlight information such as in graphs, diagrams or charts. Drawings and photographs are very helpful to document exactly what you did. If your project needs anything special such as electricity make certain you let your teacher or the chairperson for the science fair know as early as possible so they can plan accordingly.

Be sure that all of your project materials meet school safety standards. Only use materials that are durable and safe. It is also a good idea to have brochures or magazine articles relating to your project in front of your display. If you follow these tips your science fair project will truly be exceptional. The following links all have to do with things such as how to create quality science projects, ideas for experiments and other important and relevant information.

Make a Science Fair Splash: The Dragonfly TV website is filled with great science fair project ideas and includes questions asked, experiments tried and conclusions.